JACKSON HOLE, WYO – Since 2013, local volunteers have been working with The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national conservation organization, to create a new community gathering place known as Astoria Hot Springs Park. When construction of the hot springs facilities is complete, The Trust for Public Land will hand off the 98-acre park to a newly-founded, local nonprofit entity known as Astoria Park Conservancy.
Today, Astoria Park Conservancy announced the appointment of Paige Byron Curry as its first executive director to lead the organization through its transition to ownership of the park. During the transition period, Chris Deming, senior project manager for TPL, will continue to oversee the design and construction of the hot springs improvements.
Astoria Park Conservancy’s board chair, Bill Schwartz, commented, “As we prepare to assume our stewardship responsibility for Astoria Hot Springs Park we wish to again thank The Trust for Public Land for its tremendous investment in this project and our community. We are excited that Paige Byron Curry, a Jackson Hole native who is leading the Campaign for Astoria Hot Springs Park will now take on the role of executive director of Astoria Park Conservancy. No one has more passion for Astoria Hot Springs Park and what it will mean to this community than Paige. Her knowledge and skill will help ensure that we deliver on our mission.”
To date, the Campaign for Astoria has generated support from over 300 donors pledging $4.3 million. With just $1.7 million left to raise, construction is targeted to begin next spring, if the remaining funds needed can be raised by the end of the year.
To help reach this goal, Astoria Park Conservancy is participating in Old Bill’s Fun Run, in partnership with TPL.
“I am honored to assume a leadership role with Astoria Park Conservancy, and the timing couldn’t be better with Old Bill’s,” Curry said. “Thanks to the generosity of the Co-Challengers, you can really make a splash for Astoria this year. And remember, gifts of every size will help us reach our goal!”
